Building Trust and Empathy with Young Mothers in Nutrition Programming

This technical brief synthesizes findings from a literature review and virtual consultation on how to cultivate trust and empathy between healthcare providers and young mothers in nutrition programming. Grounded in insights from Breakthrough ACTION-Nigeria, it highlights how active listening and empathetic counseling counteract the moral judgment and limited agency often experienced by young mothers. The resource offers actionable recommendations for facility, community, and stakeholder levels to improve provider-client interactions. Ultimately, these trust-building approaches aim to strengthen health systems and maximize positive nutritional outcomes for young mothers and their children.

Last modified: June 21, 2026

Language: English

Source: Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs

Year of Publication: 2024